Well, so be it. Nothing's perfect in life, so you have an election that's not quite perfect. Is it better than not having an election? You bet.

If I know the answer I'll tell you the answer, and if I don't I'll just respond cleverly.

Death has a tendency to encourage a depressing view of war.

I think it's very useful for you folks (reporters) to try your damndest to be precise. And don't repeat things that are inaccurate if you can possibly avoid it. And when you see things that are inaccurate, knock them down -- because there's a bucket of it floating around.

I would not say that the future is necessarily less predictable than the past. I think the past was not predictable when it started.

Know that the immediate staff and others in the Administration will assume that your manner, tone and tempo reflect the President's.

The Secretary of Defense is not a super General or Admiral. His task is to exercise civilian control over the Department for the Commander-in-Chief and the country.